RFID Terminal Intermediary for Movable Object Location Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID systems lack efficient methods for providing accurate and updated location information of movable objects, particularly in scenarios where multiple terminals and objects need to be tracked and associated, leading to challenges in determining and sharing location data effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that uses RFID signals to periodically receive identification information from movable objects, updates location information using GPS or network data, and sends this information to associated terminals, allowing for the tracking and mapping of objects across different terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RFID tags are embedded in moveable objects for tracking, then object identification capability is improved, but location accuracy and continuous tracking capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a terminal device as an intermediary between the RFID tag and the tracking system. The terminal device receives RFID signals from moveable objects, determines its own location using GPS or network location information, and then transmits this location data to a server. This intermediary approach solves the problem by bridging the gap between RFID identification capability and location tracking capability, allowing the system to obtain both object identity and location information without requiring the RFID tag itself to have location sensing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as an RFID reader to receive identification information from moveable objects, as a location sensor to determine its own position via GPS or network information, and as a communication device to transmit data to the server. This multi-functional design allows a single device to handle both identification and location tracking tasks, resolving the contradiction between having RFID tags for identification and needing location information
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple terminals track multiple moveable objects, then tracking coverage is improved, but system complexity and data management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data from multiple terminals and multiple moveable objects into a centralized server. Instead of having each terminal independently manage its own tracking data, all location information and RFID identification data are collected and stored in a unified database on the server. This consolidation approach handles the complexity of multiple terminals and objects by providing a centralized management point, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive tracking coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the server stores location information received from multiple terminals and can provide this data back to users or other systems. The server acts as a central coordination point that receives data from various terminals, processes it, and provides comprehensive tracking information, thereby managing the complexity of multi-terminal tracking through centralized feedback loops
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables accurate and continuous tracking of movable objects, ensuring that location information is updated and shared effectively among associated terminals, enhancing the ability to locate and manage objects in various applications, such as inventory control and personal item tracking.
Implementation Method 1
a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) interface circuit configured to periodically receive identification (ID) information from a movable object via an RFID signal
Implementation Method 2
a location circuit configured to determine location information corresponding to the mobile terminal. In some embodiments, the location circuit is further configured to provide location information corresponding to the mobile terminal using GPS information
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing location information associated with moveable objects can include periodically receiving identification (ID) information at a first terminal from a moveable object via a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) signal. Location information associated with the ID information can be updated to provide updated location information for the moveable object. The ID information relative to the first terminal may be evaluated to determine if the moveable object is associated with the first terminal. The location information may be sent to a second terminal, if the moveable object is associated with the second terminal.